Inflatable myofascial release device

Abstract

An inflatable myofascial release device capable of being placed at select desired points to apply pressure to specific regions of a user's body to alleviate tissue aches and pains from myofascial tissue pain. An inflatable bladder is positioned centrally on an elongated strap and includes an attached and squeezable hand pump for inflation. The device includes a pouch adjacent the inflatable bladder that removably receives a spherical pressure applicator. In operation, the user inserts a desired spherical pressure applicator into the pouch. The user then secures the elongated strap around his body such that the strap extends across an area where muscle release is desired. The user then inflates the inflatable bladder to apply additional pressure against his body. In this way, the user customizes positioning, size of the pressure applicator, and overall pressure applied by the device to achieve a desired level of myofascial release.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An inflatable myofascial release device, comprising:
 an elongated strap having a fastener disposed on each opposing end of the elongated strap;   an inflatable bladder centrally positioned on the elongated strap;   a pouch disposed adjacent to the inflatable bladder;   a pair of ancillary straps running perpendicular to the elongated strap, the pair of ancillary straps include a first ancillary strap and a second ancillary strap that create pressure around the inflatable bladder; and   a removable spherical pressure applicator composed of a rigid spherical body and a bendable sheet;   wherein the pouch receives and contains the removable spherical pressure applicator.   
     
     
         2 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the fastener is a hook and loop fastener disposed on opposing ends of the elongated strap that is adapted to selectively engage and disengage about a user's body. 
     
     
         3 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 2 , wherein the fastener is adapted to allow the elongated strap to be adjustably secured around a desired area of the user's body. 
     
     
         4 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 2 , wherein filling the inflatable bladder with air causes it to expand and apply additional pressure to the removable spherical pressure applicator against the user's body. 
     
     
         5 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 2 , wherein the elongated strap extends around the user's body such that the elongated strap extends across an area where muscle release is desired. 
     
     
         6 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 2 , wherein the rigid spherical body is adapted to be proximal to the user's body. 
     
     
         7 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable bladder includes an attached and squeezable hand pump to inflate the inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         8 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 7 , wherein the attached and squeezable hand pump is activated to inflate the inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         9 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , further comprising a pair of stabilizer wings located around the inflatable bladder to create an equal pressure zone. 
     
     
         10 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the pair of ancillary straps secure the inflatable bladder in a desired location to create pressure around the inflatable bladder and secure the inflatable bladder in the desired location. 
     
     
         11 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the first ancillary strap is disposed across a first side of the inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         12 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the second ancillary strap is disposed across a second side of the inflatable bladder. 
     
     
         13 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the bendable sheet is composed of a hard plastic. 
     
     
         14 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the bendable sheet is composed of a hard rubber. 
     
     
         15 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the removable spherical pressure applicator includes a nylon cover shaped to be easily inserted and removed easily into the pouch. 
     
     
         16 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the removable spherical pressure applicator includes a desired size or firmness. 
     
     
         17 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable bladder inflates and the bendable sheet will be pressed against the inflatable bladder and conforms to the inflatable bladder's shape. 
     
     
         18 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the rigid spherical body protrudes geometrically towards the user's body to loosen a user's tissue and provide muscle relief. 
     
     
         19 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the rigid spherical body is centered and disposed on the bendable sheet. 
     
     
         20 . The inflatable myofascial release device, according to  claim 1 , further comprising a knob disposed on the attached and squeezable hand pump that will release air within the inflatable bladder and deflate the inflatable bladder.